'Serious concerns': CFMEU issues warning on ACT government appointment

The CFMEU has expressed serious concerns over the appointment of someone closely linked to the Robodebt scandal to a critical ACT public service role.

Lisa Carmody has been appointed deputy director of the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD).

CFMEU ACT has backed the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), which first raised Ms Carmody’s involvement in the Robodebt scandal. She was called before the Royal Commission.

CFMEU ACT Secretary Zach Smith said his union stood with their comrades at the CPSU and their members.

“People died because of Robodebt, which hounded some of the most vulnerable members of society over illegal and immoral debts,” he said.

“It doesn’t make any sense that someone with a significant involvement in one of the biggest welfare scandals in Australian history will now hold a crucial industrial relations job.

“The ACT’s chief public servant Kathy Leigh has made the wrong call here and should reconsider her decision.

“The CFMEU has serious concerns about what this could mean for workers in the ACT when it comes to negotiating fairer pay and conditions.

“The ACT public service shouldn’t be a safe harbour for people who have ruined their job prospects with the Commonwealth.”

Matt Coughlan 0400 561 480 / [email protected]